Free property resource

2026 rental property
maintenance checklist.

A practical planning guide for Philadelphia landlords and property managers who want fewer surprises, cleaner turnovers, and better maintenance records.

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Preventive maintenance & turnover

Protect the property.
Plan the work.

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At every turnover

□Walk every room and photograph current condition
□Test locks, latches, windows, doors, and entry hardware
□Check visible plumbing fixtures, shutoffs, drains, and supply connections
□Test installed smoke and carbon monoxide devices
□Inspect walls, ceilings, trim, flooring, cabinets, and appliances
□Review exterior entry, lighting, steps, rails, and trip hazards
□Create a prioritized make-ready punch list before scheduling work
□Complete a final quality-control walk before resident move-in

Quarterly

□Look for active leaks, moisture staining, and changes in wall or ceiling condition
□Check common-area lighting and installed safety devices
□Observe roofline, gutters, downspouts, drainage, and visible exterior openings
□Review mechanical areas for unusual moisture, noise, or deterioration
□Check exterior doors, locks, handrails, steps, and walking surfaces
□Update the property repair forecast and prioritize emerging work

Seasonally

□Prepare exterior water lines and exposed plumbing for cold weather
□Clear gutters and confirm downspout discharge paths
□Inspect roof and exterior after severe storms
□Review cooling needs before summer and heating needs before winter
□Check basement moisture control and drainage before heavy-rain seasons
□Schedule exterior painting, sealing, and grounds work in suitable weather

Annually

□Complete a full property-condition review with photos
□Review the age and condition of major components
□Recheck installed safety devices and replacement dates
□Inspect visible electrical, plumbing, roofing, and structural warning signs
□Review recurring repair patterns across the portfolio
□Build the next 12-month preventive-maintenance plan and budget priorities

Property manager operations guide

Set up the work
for a clean close.

Use these three handoffs to reduce approval delays, access problems, and incomplete records.

Authorization & NTE

NTE means “not to exceed.” State whether SPC should quote first or may proceed up to a specific authorized amount.

Work-order reference
Approved scope or requested outcome
NTE amount or quote-first instruction
Who can approve changes

Resident & access handoff

Identify the authorized access path before scheduling so the appointment does not stall at the door.

Resident or access contact
Preferred contact method
Lockbox, key, or manager access
Notice and scheduling restrictions

Closeout requirements

Tell SPC what your records need when the assignment is completed or requires another decision.

Required photo stages
Completion notes
Open items or specialist escalation
Invoice and work-order references

Turn observations into action

Found an issue?

Send the address, photos, and what you observed. SPC can help organize the next step.

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Ready when your property needs us

Need eyes on a property?

Schedule a property-maintenance evaluation or send us the maintenance item you already found.

Request service ↗Call 267-498-3906

2026 rental propertymaintenance checklist.

Protect the property.Plan the work.